Family Ties Read Online Free Page B

worth fighting over? “However, if you think you’ve got your schoolwork under control I am not going to disagree with you.”
    Bonnie’s narrow eyes and pouting lips just screamed sullen. “Everything’s under control.”
    “Good.” Andie found a smile. “Then I suppose it’s all right if just this once we stretch the school night rule.”
    “Great,” Bonnie mumbled. She turned to leave. “Call me when supper’s ready and I’ll set the table.”
    “Okay.” Andie gave Jamie a reassuring pat on the head then looked around for Chloe. It was only when she couldn’t see the little girl that she realized Billy hadn’t come in for more cookies.
    And Chloe was no where to be found.
    ***
    Gray’s phone rang at two minutes after six.
    He had just stepped out of the shower and was gelling up to shave when he heard it ring. He took a deep breath, grimaced at his reflection in the mirror, then exhaled deep and slow. The day had started far too early with a nightmare he’d counted on never having again. That had been followed by a truckload of supplies that hadn’t been delivered. Then a steel brace had tried to move his right jaw into his left cheek. Now, his mother was calling.
    Could things get any worse?
    His mother was nothing if not predictable. She always called at this time of day, and had a panic attack if he didn’t answer, convinced that something dreadful had happened to him. She didn’t seem to realize he was thirty-eight years old and had lived on his own for a long time.
    Since she’d keep calling until he answered, he might as well get it over with. He grabbed a towel to dry his hands, then strode past the empty night table beside his bed. He’d have to get another phone if he stayed here much longer. Running to the living room to answer a call was a nuisance.
    He wrapped the towel around his waist as he hurried down the hall, and snatched up the phone. “Hello?”
    His mother’s voice floated back at him, sharp and, as always, edged with concern. “Grayson? Is that you?”
    “Yes, Ma, it’s me. How are you?”
    “I’m fine. What about you? What’s wrong? What took you so long to answer? I was starting to worry.”
    Gray ran his hand through his hair and dropped his chin against his chest. Would she ever learn? Why did she put herself through this all the time? “I was in the shower.”
    “You know I only call after dinner.”
    He took a deep breath, tamping down his rising anger. Some things never changed. “I know, Ma. But I’ve been busy. It’s been a long day.”
    “If you’d come home, Grayson, you wouldn’t have to work so hard. You know your father and I would be delighted to help you out.”
    And keep me chained to your side forever? “I know. But it’s better this way.”
    “Better for who?”
    She was getting whiney and he was too tired to put up with it tonight, so he cut her off before she got wound up and he said something he’d regret. She deserved his respect, even if she nearly drove him around the bend. “How’s Pops?”
    “Your father’s fine. He’s watching the news.”
    Like every other night. They ate in front of the television watching game shows and then she cleaned while Pops watched the news. If she was going to call, she always waited until moments after six, a habit left over from the past when discounted long distance rates kicked in after dinner. “That’s good.”
    “Why do you insist on working so hard, dear? You don’t have to, you know. Your dad and I aren’t rich, but...”
    Gray mouthed the words right along with her. “We certainly have enough to help you out if you came home to live.” Which would never happen – not as long as he had a say in his future. He loved his mother, but she’d missed his coming of age. She had no idea he was no longer the scared little boy who always needed to know his mommy was nearby.
    “I like my life. Besides, you and Pops need this time for each other. You should take a cruise or